Research and Collection Internships

The scientific staff and the research collections of the Field Museum offer a broad range of internship opportunities, including part-time internships during the academic year and full-time internships during the summer. Between the Museum's four primary Collections and Research Departments—Anthropology, Botany, Geology and Zoology—over thirty Curators and Collection Managers are available to host eligible internship candidates. High school students and undergraduate students are encouraged to examine the formal categories of grant-based programs listed under Research Scholarships and Grants, which typically guarantee a stipend. However, numerous unpaid positions are also available, including internship opportunities for students seeking college credit.

Follow the links below to the lists of the curatorial and collection staff, identifying their respective research interests and areas of expertise. You may elect to approach one of the listed Field Museum staff members by sending an e-mail or written letter introducing yourself and your internship interests. In your communication with a prospective mentor, be specific about your time commitment (full-time or part-time, anticipated start and end dates) and provide the name and contact information of one or more academic references. If you interned at the museum before, include the name of your Field Museum mentor/supervisor. Attach a résumé or CV to your correspondence, outlining previous relevant experience and listing any pertinent high school and/or college courses you have taken. It is also advisable to describe your computer skills and any other technical abilities that might be worth noting.

Please consider that Field Museum researchers spend many days in the field and travel frequently. Contact a prospective mentor early, well before the anticipated internship start date. Be prepared to come in for an interview before a decision about a potential internship can be made.